Noticing a black spot on your gums can be unsettling. While it’s easy to assume the worst, not all gum discoloration is a cause for concern. In many cases, a black spot on gums may result from something as simple as a bruise or natural pigmentation. However, it could also indicate a more serious issue, like gum disease or even oral cancer. Understanding the possible causes can help you determine when to seek professional dental care.
What does a black spot on the gums mean?
A black spot on the gums can be caused by bruising, pigmentation, medication, infection, or more serious conditions like oral cancer.
What Causes a Black Spot on Gums?
1: Bruises or Injuries
One of the most common causes of a dark or black spot on the gums is trauma. Flossing too hard, brushing too vigorously, and chewing on something with a hard or sharp corner can damage the gums. When the gums get bruised, the injury leaves a small dark or black spot, just like when you bruise an arm or leg. Bruised gums will heal on their own over a couple of weeks and need no medical intervention.
2: Natural Pigmentation
Some people have higher amounts of melanin, or pigment, in their bodies. High levels of melanin can sometimes cause your gums to become darker or develop dark spots, sort of like freckles. This type of dark spot on the gums is completely harmless and will not affect your oral health.
3: Medication
Certain medications can cause the gums to darken or spots of hyperpigmentation as a side effect. For instance, Minocycline, a common acne medication, has been shown to sometimes cause discoloration of the teeth and gums.
4: Smoking
If you are a smoker and notice dark spots on your gums, you may be developing smoker’s melanosis. Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco smoke irritate the gums, which causes general darkening as well as dark spots.
5: Amalgam Tattoos
If you recently had a cavity filled, a small amount of the dental filling mixture—a dental amalgam—may have leaked a bit onto your gums. If the dental amalgam contains a metal mixture, this can create a dark spot on your gums. Unfortunately, it is not removable, so it is often called an “amalgam tattoo.” Luckily, it is quite harmless. Resin or cosmetic fillings would not cause this issue.
6: Gum Infection
Sometimes, dark spots on the gums can indicate gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis. If you notice any other signs of gum disease, such as bleeding, receding, tender or swollen gums, pain when chewing, or loose teeth, make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Gum disease is a serious infection that only worsens with time and can lead to tooth loss.
7: Oral Cancer
In some cases, oral cancer causes black spots on the gums. Other symptoms of oral cancer include mouth sores that will not heal, loose teeth, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, and sore throat. If your dentist suspects the black spot on your gums is caused by oral cancer, they will recommend a cancer screening to determine the best treatment.
Get Your Gums Checked at a Dentist Near You in Flagstaff
If you’ve noticed a black spot on your gums, don’t ignore it. While some causes are harmless, others could point to serious oral health issues. The sooner you get it checked, the better your chances of preventing complications. Contact or call Country Club Dental in Flagstaff today at 928-526-4314 to schedule a full exam. Early evaluation of a black spot on gums can give you peace of mind—and help protect your smile.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/29/21). Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA from Pexels
